The Sum of All Men

The Runelords, Book 1

By: David Farland

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 21 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

David Farland's acclaimed Runelords series introduces a world where the social structure is based upon the magical exchange of "endowments" such as stamina, grace, and wit. The Runelords are those who receive these endowments from their vassals, becoming superhuman in exchange for the responsibility of caring for those they have deprived of strength, or beauty, or sight.

Young Prince Gaborn of Mystarria is traveling in disguise on a journey to ask for the hand of the lovely Princess Iome of Sylvarresta. Armed with his gifts of strength and perception, the prince and his bodyguard stop at a local tavern, where they spot a pair of assassins who have their sights set on Princess Iome's father. As they race to warn the king, they realize that more than the royal family is at risk—the very fate of the Earth is in jeopardy.

©1998 David Farland (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Among the best

I had read this book some years back and enjoyed it enough to read other books in the series. This audio rendition presents the book well. The story is enjoyable with a number of well developed fantasy concepts. The book is self contained such that you can read only one installment and still understand and enjoy.

worth a listen. not the best, not the worst.

it's just staggeringly "ok" I enjoyed it, but I don't think I am a big fan. I think with a better editor and a couple more years of work this could have been good. I say listen to it, it's alright.

drags a bit but it bits all the feels

good narrator overly flowery story. would read again hoping for a more interesting 2nd book.

This should be made as an anime.

Very well written. The narrator spoke very clear. Forceful at first, but completely entertaining through out his performance. I haven't read nor thought of the concept the author had incorporated with the idea of Runes. If you're a Tolkien, or Terry Brooks fan, you'll absolutely love this book. I do wish they make an anime of this.

I almost didn't down load this...

I'm glad I did, it turned out to be a fascinating listen. I really enjoyed it it took a couple chapters to get into it. Once I did it was a great book.

Creative

I rate the quality of the writing as amateur drivel at best, but I give it 3 stars because, while it shares many platitudes of similar writings in this genre, it is otherwise refreshingly creative.
The reader does a good job changing voices throughout to keep the dialogue easy to follow, but his pronunciation is inconsistent which I find mildly irritating.

Nice Book

Where does The Sum of All Men rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not the very best but it was good and enjoyable

Any additional comments?

The beginning was a little slow, but it picked up nicely.

Exceptional concept and fantastic execution!

What an absolute treat. Not only is the endowment system unique and well balanced but i am intrigued by the magics mentioned both blatant and subtle. I am going to devour the next book to find out more. Go Earth King!!!

A good idea but inexpertly executed

So much promise in such an excellent and novel idea. I applaud the world building because the detail and breath of it was superb. The idea behind not only the story, but also the characters and plot was turgid with promise.

What then ailed this potential filled book? Sloppy, inexpert execution by an unproven writer brandishing his novitiate. It's unfortunate because a practiced hand could have carried this book into the archives of fantasy legend, but now the tale is wasted in the dunes of would-be greatness.

Loved it

Little slow at first but an amazing story! Every character has an interesting background and motivations. The story pulled me in the more I listened. Narration is great too!